QUEENSLAND will welcome back captain Darren Lockyer for next week’s second State of Origin game against New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium.

Lockyer, who missed the opening Origin fixture because of a knee injury, was a notable addition to the Maroons team named on Tuesday. He made a pleasing return to action for Brisbane against Parramatta last Friday night, convincing selectors he was ready for representative footy.

Justin Hodges, who will miss the remainder of the series after being suspended for six matches for his dangerous throw on Eels hooker Mark Riddell, has been replaced by Darius Boyd.

Brent Tate will move from the wing to cover for Hodges in the centres.